Kaneland Performing Arts Boosters finds local support

by Dave Woehrle
KANELAND—A sold-out crowd is expected for the A Knight of Performances barbecue dinner on March 9, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kaneland Harter Middle School, as nearly 380 tickets were sold prior to the cut off date of Feb. 26.

That’s almost a 200 percent increase in sales, according to Denise Blaszynski, president of Kaneland Performing Arts Boosters. Blaszynski wrote a piece for the Elburn Herald’s Community Corner on Feb 21 after only 83 tickets had sold, and said the response from the community has been “overwhelming,” and that over $1,000 has been raised from dinner tickets sales alone.

Admission to the event is free; however, a $12 dinner ticket will get you a full meal of either chicken, a pork chop or pulled pork, with a side of coleslaw, apple sauce, and a dessert.

A Knight of Performances will include choir, band and drama acts from both the high and middle school. In total, 50 students in total will perform, and HMS Choral and Drama Director Brian Kowlaski decided to include more middle school performers than in previous years.

The showcase will feature instrumental performers on flute, sax, guitar and cello. Brass bands and jazz bands from both schools will also perform.

The raffle items will include Chicago White Sox and Chicago Wolves tickets, a three-month

gym membership to Delnor Health and Wellness Center, local art lessons, and tickets to “Fiddler on the Roof” at Paramount Theatre.

Local merchants also donated baskets, such as Walgreens, Hill’s Purple Store in Kaneville, and A Salon in Elburn. In total, over $3,000 in merchandise was donated. The raised money will go to both schools’ choir, band, and theatre needs.

Blaszynski stressed the importance of music in school.

“Several studies have shown music students tend to score higher on standardized testing,” she said. “Also, a great sense of camaraderie is made among the students. It makes the transition from middle school to high school easier when band and choir students know upperclassmen. It’s a very close-knit group.”

Blaszynski also gave credit to Elburn and Kaneville, as well as the entire Kaneland community, for their generosity.

“I can’t believe it. We are fortunate to have a community that supports arts,” she said. “We hope this event continues to grow in the coming years.”